[TXBRBAUS]

Howdy everyone! I've been having trouble with my '09 Brabus roof. Basically, the tracks are off and have destroyed the front catches and clips. I've seen the videos and know how to adjust and replace the cabrio roof and I'm fairly confident I can do it but the problem is I can't adjust the rails in the direction it needs to go because it's already at the limit for the direction I need to put it.

The passenger side rail is leaning too far into the car and hits what's left of the clip and prevents it from closing but I need to move it closer to the outside of the car but it can't move any further that way. I took out the b-pillar interior trim to check and make sure the rail lock was seated properly and tightened in all the way which it was. I also tried to pull the rail away from the car to just have a temporary fix as it will rain for the next week but that didn't work. The only thing I can think of is to install spacers in the back part of the roof mechanism to bump it out the extra .5mm it needs to go but I fear that job is out of my abilities at the time. Anyone know of any fixes I can try in the meantime before I take it in the MB and lose all my money to their service department?

Thanks,
- TXBrbaus

 

[Jo e Lefors]

Welcome to the SCoA forum.
I have owned 2 smart convertibles
08 & 09.
But still can't help you out sorry.
Please keep us updated with your outcome.
Good luck.

 

[TXBRBAUS]

I was looking at everything over once more yesterday and I was even able to get the top up! My problem is now with the rails that go across from the b pillars to the front of the car. I originally thought it was something to do with the b pillar lock. The back part of the mechanism or the front latch area where the roof locks into place. With all of those areas in perfect condition I realized the tracks within the rails themselves had a little too much give in them and we’re pulling too much to the inside of the car. I’m not too sure how to fix the rails themselves yet as I have not been able to get look at how they’re built but at least the roof is up.

 

[Kay902]

I have an 08 Smart Convertible. Just bought last year with 43000 miles on it. I had the worn roof replaced. Due to the age, it was showing its wear. However when the moron car mover brought it from Florida to Alabama he loaded the car head on first and of course, the wind finished the rest of the damage on its journey. The top (cloth part) has been replaced and opened and closed beautifully for about 5 or 6 times. Then it got stuck on the track on the passenger side and would not move. Mercedes of Birmingham were left scratching their heads, but did managed to get it closed. My question is this: I have noticed scuff marks on the side of the Tridion Cell in the back and the passenger side fog light was busted out, housing and all. I have no idea the history or how it got like that. Would a good whack to the car cause a total misalignment and cause the track to be misaligned as well? There is a tiny dimple on the outside of the track. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I have had this car to so many repair places only to walk away without any answers or offers to help.

 

[TXBRBAUS]

It sounds like either it was misalignment from a whack like you mentioned or it could just be stress misalignment. If you could send pictures of the track and the first latch in the cabrio roof I could take a look and see if there’s a good explanation of what’s going on.